This creamy cucumber salad, featuring crisp cucumber slices, sweet onions, garlic, and dill, is a cherished family recipe from my dad. It has always been a top pick at our summer gatherings.
This salad is the ultimate summer side, featuring crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, dill, garlic, and a creamy mayo dressing. This classic, make-ahead recipe is a true family favorite—give it a try for the tastiest cucumber salad you’ll ever make!
For more cucumber recipes, check the Pineapple Cucumber Salad
Table of contents
- The Best Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
- Creative Variations on the Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
- Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Creamy Cucumber Salad
- How to Store and Keep Creamy Cucumber Salad Fresh
- Health Benefits of Creamy Cucumber Salad and Nutritional Information
- FAQs
The Best Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
For the dressing:
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Cucumber Salad
Mix the veggies: In a bowl, mix the cucumbers, onion, and sea salt. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
Drain the veggies:
Pour the cucumber mixture into a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Let it drain, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid and salt has drained (15 to 30 minutes).
Transfer to a bowl:
Transfer the drained cucumber mixture to a large bowl.
Make the dressing:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill, garlic powder, and pepper until smooth.
Combine:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Refrigerate:
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Enjoy!
Serve chilled and enjoy your creamy cucumber salad!
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture
Achieving the perfect creamy texture in your cucumber salad is crucial for a satisfying culinary experience. To ensure that your salad is not watery, it’s essential to remove excess moisture from the cucumbers before adding them to the creamy dressing. One effective method is to sprinkle the sliced cucumbers with salt and let them sit in a colander for about 15 minutes.
The salt draws out excess water from the cucumbers, preventing the salad from becoming overly watery. Another tip for achieving a creamy texture is to use full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. The higher fat content contributes to a richer and creamier consistency, resulting in a more indulgent salad.
Additionally, be mindful of not overdressing the salad. Start by adding a portion of the dressing to the cucumbers and gradually incorporate more as needed. This prevents the salad from becoming overly saturated with dressing, maintaining a balanced and creamy texture.
Creative Variations on the Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad
| Recipe Name | Ingredients | Preparation Time | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Variations on the Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad | Cucumbers, sour cream, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, dill | 15 minutes | 6 servings |
While the classic creamy cucumber salad is undeniably delicious, numerous creative variations can elevate this dish even further. One popular variation involves adding thinly sliced red onions to the salad for an extra layer of flavor and a hint of pungency. Another creative twist is to incorporate diced avocado into the creamy dressing, imparting a luscious texture and an added dose of healthy fats.
For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, consider tossing in some halved cherry tomatoes or diced mango for a delightful contrast of flavors. Additionally, experimenting with different herbs such as mint or cilantro can bring unique aromatic notes to the salad. Some inventive recipes also incorporate crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for added richness and crunch.
By exploring these creative variations, you can customize your creamy cucumber salad to suit your taste preferences and create an exciting culinary experience.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Creamy Cucumber Salad
Creamy cucumber salad pairs exceptionally well with various dishes and can be served in numerous ways. As a refreshing side dish, it complements grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or lamb beautifully. The cool and creamy nature of the salad provides a delightful contrast to the savory charred flavors of grilled dishes.
It also serves as an excellent accompaniment to barbecue fare, adding a touch of brightness to smoky flavors. In addition to being a side dish, creamy cucumber salad can be enjoyed as a topping for sandwiches or burgers, providing a cooling element that balances out rich and hearty components. Furthermore, it can be served alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes such as falafel, hummus, and tabbouleh for a harmonious combination of flavors and textures.
For a light and satisfying meal, consider pairing creamy cucumber salad with grilled shrimp or fish for a refreshing seafood experience.
How to Store and Keep Creamy Cucumber Salad Fresh
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of creamy cucumber salad. If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s important to consume the salad within 1-2 days to ensure that it remains at its best quality.
Over time, the cucumbers may release additional moisture, diluting the creaminess of the dressing and affecting the texture of the salad. When storing creamy cucumber salad, it’s advisable to give it a gentle stir before serving any leftovers to redistribute the dressing and ensure that each bite is equally flavorful. If you find that the salad has become slightly watery after refrigeration, you can drain off any excess liquid before serving to maintain its desired creamy consistency.
Health Benefits of Creamy Cucumber Salad and Nutritional Information
Creamy cucumber salad offers not only delightful flavors but also several health benefits due to its nutritious ingredients. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them an excellent hydrating food choice. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
The creamy element of the salad, whether it’s sour cream or Greek yogurt, contributes protein and probiotics that support gut health. Additionally, these dairy products offer calcium and B vitamins that are beneficial for bone health and overall well-being. By incorporating fresh herbs like dill or chives into the salad, you can further enhance its nutritional value with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes when enjoying creamy cucumber salad due to its calorie-dense nature from the dairy components. In conclusion, creamy cucumber salad is a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. By selecting high-quality ingredients, following simple steps for preparation, and exploring creative variations, you can consistently achieve a perfect creamy cucumber salad every time.
Whether served as a side dish or incorporated into different culinary pairings, this refreshing salad offers not only delightful flavors but also valuable health benefits from its nutritious components.
FAQs
What is Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Creamy Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish made with cucumbers, a creamy dressing, and various seasonings. It is a popular side dish in many cuisines and is known for its crisp texture and tangy flavor.
What are Some Creative Variations on the Classic Creamy Cucumber Salad?
Some creative variations on the classic Creamy Cucumber Salad include adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, avocado, or even mixing in different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
How to Store and Keep Creamy Cucumber Salad Fresh?
To store and keep Creamy Cucumber Salad fresh, it should be tightly covered and refrigerated. It is best enjoyed within 1-2 days of preparation to maintain its crisp texture and flavor.
What are the Health Benefits of Creamy Cucumber Salad, and its Nutritional Information?
Creamy Cucumber Salad is low in calories and high in water content, making it a hydrating and refreshing dish. Cucumbers are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and potassium. The nutritional information may vary based on the specific ingredients and dressing used.
Creamy Cucumber Salad
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large bowl
- Colander
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
white sugar
- 2 large cucumbers peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 sweet onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
Dressing
- 1 ½ cups mayonnaise or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, sweet onion, and sea salt. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
- 2. Turn the cucumber mixture into a colander set over a bowl or in the sink. Let drain, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid and salt has drained, 15 to 30 minutes. Transfer drained cucumber mixture to a large bowl.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, dill weed, garlic powder, and ground black pepper until smooth.
- 4. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and stir until evenly coated.
- 5. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
- 6. Enjoy this creamy, tangy salad as a refreshing side dish!
Notes
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